Kushan Empire, Huvishka (c.140 – c.180 AD) [Co179]
Gold Dinar, c.140 – c.180 AD
Obverse: Bust of king left with sceptre
Reverse: Ardoksho standing left holding cornucopia.
Huvishka succeeded his father Kanishka as ruler of the Kushan Empire, which encompassed parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India. Like many Kushan coins, this piece combines elements of Greek and Central Asian culture. The local goddess Ardoskho (perhaps to be identified with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi) holds the cornucopia, a Greek symbol of plenty. There are inscriptions in Greek on one side, and in Kharosthi (an ancient Indian script) on the other. Both read ‘King of kings, Huvishka the Kushan’.
Huvishka succeeded his father Kanishka as ruler of the Kushan Empire, which encompassed parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India. Like many Kushan coins, this piece combines elements of Greek and Central Asian culture. The local goddess Ardoskho (perhaps to be identified with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi) holds the cornucopia, a Greek symbol of plenty. There are inscriptions in Greek on one side, and in Kharosthi (an ancient Indian script) on the other. Both read ‘King of kings, Huvishka the Kushan’.
Provenance: From the collection acquired by Brigadier Evelyn Cobb OBE in the Frontier Provinces of India, and donated by him to Winchester College 1939.
Location: Treasury, Gallery 3
